“This is a Life-changing Place”: Mark’s Story of Hope
Stories of Hope is a Men of Nehemiah series that chronicles the individual journeys of healing and redemption our men have experienced.
Tell us about your background.
My name is Mark, and I was born and raised here in Dallas. I had all the advantages and in high school, I began running with pretty fast company. They were already drinking and drugging.
The first time I had a drink, it just solved all my problems. Everything went away. I felt like I belonged. Over the years, I had some sobriety, and then the last 10 years I just quit working the program. When I got here, I literally could not make it up the steps.
I really didn't care whether I lived or not. I was in a pretty dark place. So I'm very grateful for answered prayers that I ended up here.
What was life like before Men of Nehemiah?
I was trying to control the amount of liquor I drank, the pot I smoked and I would just get drunk at the wrong times. I just couldn't control the amount I took once I started.
How did you get connected to Men of Nehemiah?
We had a family meeting about what we were going to do about [me]. They knew I was going progressively in a downward spiral. My sister knew a staff member, so she suggested the Men of Nehemiah. My family was for it. I wasn't for it, but I was hoping to give it a try. This place has given me my family back and my life back.
What was your experience like at Nehemiah?
The military experience was awesome. It made me exercise and get in shape. The praise and worship has been huge. When I came here, I didn't want to sing. I didn't want to dance. I wasn't comfortable with it. And today it is absolutely my favorite.
There's also a part of drill when we march around the neighborhood and praise Jesus. And I'm usually hoarse afterwards because we're so loud. That's probably one of my favorite things here. Through that I've been able to connect with God on a different level.
What was the most transformative part of the program for you?
What I've learned here is that pretty much everything that I didn't want to do were things that were keeping me from experiencing God. So it's really doing the things that I didn't want to do.
How did God work in your life through Men of Nehemiah?
When I got here, I thought I was reading the Bible, but my actions did not relate. The Men of Nehemiah was able to put me in a position to be humble. I was very arrogant when I got here, even though I had nothing going for me.
The Men of Nehemiah grounded me and gave me the time to build a relationship with God. I believe God used Men of Nehemiah to help me be—even at this age—what I'm meant to be: a spiritual warrior.
How long have you been sober?
A little over six months.
How has the program changed the way you engage with your family?
They had had enough of the old Mark. But they’ve been so supportive. They've come to the family workshops and even worked on themselves. It’s been unbelievable.
What would you say to other men battling addiction?
This is a life-changing place. God is a life-changing God. If you do struggle with alcohol or drugs, there's no better place to be.